RAISING DISCIPLES FOR WORLD OUTREACH

 When Correction Becomes a Taboo “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.” — Galatians 2:11 In recent times—particularly in a case involving a certain pastor in Nigeria who inscribed tattoos on his body—there has been serious outrage within the Christian community against such conduct. The heated arguments aired publicly are of considerable concern. While I am not stepping into the arena as a debater, what truly baffles me is the response of the concerned pastor and some of his reactions to the outrage. These responses raise several pertinent questions: 1. Has correction become a taboo in the Christian body? 2. What is the standard of measurement for spiritual ranking? 3. What is the meaning of “local” and “international” pastor? 4. Are pastors above correction and discipline? As earlier observed, the said pastor tattooed his body, and many Christians—and others—were of the opinion that this is not appropriate for a man of Go...

 IT IS TIME TO MOVE “The LORD our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain.’” — Deuteronomy 1:6 It was the Lord Himself who nudged the Israelites to move away from Horeb. But what was so peculiar about Horeb that made the Israelites almost turn it into their new home—as though it were the Promised Land? At Horeb, the Israelites experienced: 1. The manifest presence of God through thunder, lightning, fire, smoke, earthquake, and the audible voice of God (Exod. 19–20). 2. The giving of the Ten Commandments and the wider covenant laws (Exod. 20–23). 3. The appointment of elders, judges, and delegated authority to assist Moses in leadership (Exod. 18; Deut. 1:9–18). 4. Instructions concerning the Tabernacle, sacrifices, priesthood, and holiness (Exod. 25–31; Leviticus). Horeb was an entirely new and overwhelming experience—a place where the people encountered the God of their fathers in a fresh and distinct way. They became so absorbed and carried...